Nsf Ret Program:Integrating Sciencecurriculum,
2025
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Nsf Ret Program:Integrating Sciencecurriculum, Lassandra Walker, Sarah O’Leary Driscoll
Professional Learning Day
NSF RET Program offers teachers an opportunity to develop a science curriculum. The aim of the curriculum is to demonstrate how the integration of science develops science thinkers and allows students to participate in experimental learning through investigations. Instructor to get students thinking through alternative logics and to see how thought was formed in specific cultural and historical contexts.
Medicine In Chemistry,
2025
Illinois math and science Academy
Medicine In Chemistry, Dr. John Thurmond
Professional Learning Day
In this session, participants analyze medicines through simple chemical tests that reveal characteristics like solubility and reactivity. Observing reactions, such as color changes, helps participants understand how basic chemical principles are used to distinguish between different compounds. These activities build practical skills for applying chemistry in contexts like quality control and forensic analysis.
Building Thinking Physics Classrooms,
2025
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Building Thinking Physics Classrooms, Marybeth Senser, Stephen Zownorenga
Professional Learning Day
Come explore an innovative way to rejuvenate high school physics problem solving discussions! Inspired by Peter Liljdahl's bestselling book "Building Thinking Mathematics Classrooms", we discuss the transition away from paper worksheets toward getting students out of their seats, solving problems while standing at vertical whiteboards. This session will address positive effects and common challenges.
Bringing Data Science To Algebra: Hands-On Linear Regression With Google Sheets,
2025
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Bringing Data Science To Algebra: Hands-On Linear Regression With Google Sheets, Paul Rummelhoff
Professional Learning Day
Teachers will be guided through a student project using Google Sheets to create scatter plots, residual plots, and trendlines while calculating residuals. They will explore SSR, 𝑟-squared, and the coefficient of determination to interpret mode accuracy. Participants will leave with hands-on activity, datasets, and notes for classroom use, enabling students to analyze real-world data. This approach teaches linear regression, equipping students with analytical tools and introducing data science concepts while reinforcing algebra skills.
Empowering Classrooms With Ai: Practical Uses For Educators,
2025
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Empowering Classrooms With Ai: Practical Uses For Educators, Dr. Evan Glazer, Cassandra Armstrong
Professional Learning Day
Artificial Intelligence tools, like Chat GPT, introduce new opportunities for educators. While some may worry about students using AI to substitute their work, this session will illustrate various examples of how educators can design prompts that enhance classroom activities and stretch students' thinking.
Bisecting Science Through The Use Of Art,
2025
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Bisecting Science Through The Use Of Art, Joyce Ymoniak
Professional Learning Day
Participants will discover, through art and drawing, how students can understand the inner workings and parts of a bisected specimen. In this hands-on session, we will explore the inner workings of an Indigenous plant. We will also explore the use of both low- and high-end technology within a classroom. Takeaways will include concepts and hands-on activities for use in grades 6-12.
Muscular Measurements With Micro: Bits,
2025
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Muscular Measurements With Micro: Bits, Dr. Mark Carlson, Dr. Ashwin Mohan
Professional Learning Day
Participants will assemble a Micro: bit based EMG system and measure muscular movements. They will then analyze the recorded signals to better understand the neurological nature of muscle contraction and appreciate the capabilities of the Micro: bit microcontroller.
2025 Euler's Method For Early Calculus Connections,
2025
Illinois Math and Science Academy
2025 Euler's Method For Early Calculus Connections, Evan Brummet, Lingyi Meng
Professional Learning Day
Euler’s Method is typically discussed in the context of differential equations. At our school, we present it early in calculus to provide additional perspective on some crucial concepts. Our session will explain how we use notions from Euler’s Method to help explain the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and various differentiation rules. We hope to see you there!
The Current Landscape Of Computer Science Education In Illinois: Challenges And Opportunities For Growth,
2025
Illinois Math and Science Academy
The Current Landscape Of Computer Science Education In Illinois: Challenges And Opportunities For Growth, Charity Freeman
Professional Learning Day
This session provides an overview of computer science education in Illinois across K-12 and higher education, highlighting recent progress, persistent challenges, and growth opportunities. Drawing from recent research, participants will explore critical data points about access, participation, and outcomes in Coeducation, as well as gain an understanding of enrollment trends, equity gaps, and successfully implemented support strategies. The session will conclude with actionable recommendations for improving education throughout Illinois.
Breakfast Of Champions: Steam In Action,
2025
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Breakfast Of Champions: Steam In Action, Susan Abraham
Professional Learning Day
Teach your students the fun of STEAM while encouraging them to become future entrepreneurs. Students will learn to develop a cereal - create the cereal box (all 6 sides), market the cereal, price the cereal, and make a 3D model of the cereal from recyclable materials. Students learn how viewpoints can affect consumer costs. They also learn the idea of working for a company challenge as this is a competition based project. Educators will learn to incorporate all subjects (Science, Math, Art, Social Studies, Engineering, and Technology) into this project. Educators will also learn how to involve the whole school …
Strengthening Experiential Learning At Your School,
2025
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Strengthening Experiential Learning At Your School, Dr. Paul Gaszak, Dr. Luke Berryman
Professional Learning Day
Experiential learning has become increasingly pervasive across education and is particularly relevant to STEM education. This session will discuss foundational theories and best practices for experiential learning and provide strategies and approaches to scale and enhance experiential learning opportunities in and across your schools. It will be relevant for all grade levels and applicable to educators of all levels of experience with experiential learning.
Rigging The Role: Probability, Fairness, And Winning Every Time,
2025
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Rigging The Role: Probability, Fairness, And Winning Every Time, Lindsey Herlehy
Professional Learning Day
Step into the world of dice games with a twist! In this session, you’ll explore the fascinating interplay of fairness, strategy, and mathematical reasoning. Through a hands-on dice rolling competition, discover how to analyze theoretical and experimental probabilities and investigate what makes a game “fair.” Then, dive into the ultimate challenge: designing a “rigged” die to outmatch others in a roll-off. Perfect for middle school math classrooms, you'll leave with ideas to captivate learners while connecting probability to the real world. Join us to learn, play, and win—every time!
Real-World Examples For Engaging Students In Chemistry,
2025
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Real-World Examples For Engaging Students In Chemistry, Dr. Angela Ahrendt, Dr. Jane Proszek Gorninski
Professional Learning Day
What do consumer electronics, water treatment, and cooking all share? Chemistry! Use real-world examples to engage students in introductory chemistry topics such as the periodic table, bonding, chemical reactions, etc. This session will have an interactive discussion about how chemistry is important in everyday life and provide examples of activities and projects you can use in your classroom. Please share at least one idea about how you use real-world examples in your class.
Learning From Hank's Mistakes In Science Class,
2025
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Learning From Hank's Mistakes In Science Class, Kara Boyle,, Jennifer Fischer,, James Workman
Professional Learning Day
In this interactive presentation, we showcase a fictitious student named Hank and his group overcoming chemistry misconceptions through engaging daily bellringers. These scenarios prompt open discussions among students, encouraging self-awareness and reinforcing expected learning behaviors. These bellringers also help with AP preparation and integrate NGSS science practices in an entertaining and non-threatening way. Participants will participate in conversations to develop scenario-writing skills for various subjects
Unsown Seeds: Eugenics, Immigration, Civil Rights In Twentieth-Century America,
2025
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Unsown Seeds: Eugenics, Immigration, Civil Rights In Twentieth-Century America, Dr. Shawn Bailey
Professional Learning Day
During this panel, we will discuss the intersection of Progressive Era reforms and the pseudo-science of eugenics, looking at their impact on civil rights and immigration in American history and theories of Nazi Germany. This will include a full lesson plan run-through, with a set of primary sources, a PowerPoint slide deck, and extension assignments available for class use.
New Ai Curriculum Overview,
2025
Illinois Math and Science Academy
New Ai Curriculum Overview, Kavithaa Suresh Kumar, Dan Campbell
Professional Learning Day
Join us for an insightful session on our school's newly developed AI curriculum. We'll discuss its core components, learning objectives, and how it prepares students for a tech-driven future. Engage in conversations about hands-on projects and strategies for fostering critical thinking. This is an excellent opportunity for educators to learn about the IMSA's New AI Curriculum. Don’t miss out on shaping the future of learning!
Lessening The Elusiveness Of Limits: Let's Learn That Lesson,
2025
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Lessening The Elusiveness Of Limits: Let's Learn That Lesson, Dr. Janice Krouse Krouse
Professional Learning Day
What can we do to alleviate the confusion around limits? We’ll examine Algebra 2 topics that might better serve as building blocks for the limit concept with slight shifts in emphasis to existing lessons. Let’s explore ways to help students find more connections and push the limit of their thinking!
Musical Instrument Project,
2025
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Musical Instrument Project, Brooke Schmidt
Professional Learning Day
In our Physics: Sound and Light class at IMSA, students make musical instruments to play "Mary Had a Little Lamb." I'll introduce the project here and provide templates for you to replicate the project in your classes. Student samples will also be shared
Writing Educational Op-Eds That Engage: From Classroom Stories To Published Pieces,
2025
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Writing Educational Op-Eds That Engage: From Classroom Stories To Published Pieces, Charity E. Freeman
Professional Learning Day
This session equips educators with the skills and structure to write effective op-ed pieces that translate their classroom insights and expertise into compelling written pieces. Participants will learn the essential components of op-ed writing, including structuring a 700-word piece, crafting engaging narratives, and developing clear theme statements. Through guided practice and analysis of published examples, participants will discover key principles of successful op-ed writing, from incorporating student stories to offering concrete solutions on timely educational issues. Helping Students Understand the Complexity of Ecological and Environmental Issues Through Use and Creation of
Helping Students Understand The Complexity Of Ecological And Environmental Issues Through Use And Creation Of Environmental Impact Statements,
2025
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Helping Students Understand The Complexity Of Ecological And Environmental Issues Through Use And Creation Of Environmental Impact Statements, Jessica Amacher, Desirae Klimek
Professional Learning Day
When discussing environmental issues, threats to ecosystems, and potential solutions, students tend toward a simplified view of these issues and how to fix them. To enrich their understanding of the complexities of these problems and the potential for real-life solutions, we developed a unit in which students create Environmental Impact Statements. This framework encourages students to consider the diverse perspectives of stakeholders in a specific ecosystem and to propose feasible and effective solutions.
